ALBANY – The first crack at winning the backup quarterback job goes to Jesse Palmer, who will be first in line replacing starter Eli Manning tomorrow night when the Giants face the Browns in the preseason opener in Cleveland.

Manning will play take the first 12-15 snaps, Tom Coughlin said yesterday, before reserves are mixed in. Palmer will likely take the Giants into halftime. Tim Hasselbeck, in his first year with the team, will take over at quarterback in the second half. Palmer and Hasselbeck are competing for the backup job. If possible, No. 4 Jared Lorenzen will get some action in the fourth quarter.

Coughlin said Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan will start but receive limited work.

WR Plaxico Burress was kicked in the back of the heel Wednesday and was held out of yesterday’s practice. He’s expected to play vs. the Browns. WR Jamaar Taylor (hip flexor) is questionable for the game.

Not since Oct. 19, 2003, has Rich Seubert suited up and played in an NFL game. His return to the field comes tomorrow night vs. the Browns. Eager is an understatement when it comes to Seubert’s emotions.

“I’ve been looking forward to a game for a long time,” Seubert said. “I’ll be nervous, I usually am before games anyway, I might be a little more juiced up and ready to go.”

Seubert hasn’t played since he suffered multiple fractures to his right leg, a gruesome injury that threatened to end his career. He was the starting left guard when he was hurt and now is second on the depth chart behind David Diehl.

The popular Seubert, 26, has endured through two-a-day practice sessions in training camp without any setbacks. He hopes to win back his starting job.

“The first game everyone gets a chance to play and they’ll see what you got,” Seubert said. “I got something to prove.”